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If you're upgrading to a new printer in your office and want to keep the old one around for later use, or if you need to temporarily store your inkjet printer for any other reason, you need to do it in such a way that your printer will be useable again afterward. A long storage period can cause the print heads to clog, making them inoperable. Store your printer properly to keep the print heads unclogged.

1.

Press the "Power" button on your printer to shut it down. Do not remove the ink cartridges.

2.

Disconnect the power cable from the printer and the wall outlet. Unplug the USB cord from the printer and your computer. Wrap the cables up and secure them with twist ties or rubber bands, if desired.

3.

Remove the paper from the tray and put it back in its package or use it in another printer.

4.

Secure removable doors and panels with 2- to 3-inch pieces of masking tape.

5.

Put the printer into a large bag, such as a trash bag. Use the plastic bag that the printer came in, if possible.

6.

Set the printer and cables in a cardboard box and surround them with protective packaging, such as foam peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Use the original box and packaging if you have it.

7.

Seal the box by taping the flaps shut with packing tape.

8.

Write "Fragile" on each side of the box with a thick permanent marker. Use black, red or another highly visible color. Write "This side up" on the top of the box.

9.

Store the printer in a cool, dry room, such as a climate-controlled storage unit. Avoid putting the printer in an attic, as it can get very hot in the summer.

Things Needed

Rubber bands or twist ties

Masking tape

Large plastic bag

Cardboard box

Protective packing material

Packing tape

Permanent marker

Tip

Only store your printer for six months to one year. After that period of inactivity, the print heads are likely to clog.

References (1)

Resources (2)

About the Author

Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.